There are two types of IBD; ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is not well understood what causes these conditions but part of the problem is that the immune system becomes over-active in the gut, damaging the gut lining. This damage causes inflammation which often leads to ulceration, bleeding and diarrhoea.  In ulcerative colitis this only involves the large intestine, whereas in Crohn’s disease any area within the entire intestine could be involved.  Both diseases are chronic (long term) with symptoms coming (relapse) and going (remission) over a number of years.

Symptoms depend on what part of the intestine is involved and on how the disease is behaving at a particular time but might include:                          

• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea with, or without, bleeding
• weight loss
• tiredness
• fevers
• infections around the anus (bottom) 

Diagnosis is made by combining information from the symptoms, examination, blood tests and other investigations such as a colonoscopy with biopsies and/or radiological tests.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and what part of the intestine is affected.  Most medication is aimed at suppressing the immune system, because it is the immune system that is driving the inflammation damaging the gut.  Medication could be oral (by mouth), by injection or by enema or suppository (via the bottom) depending on the individual situation. Treatment in some cases requires surgery to remove affected parts of the bowel. There are some important lifestyle considerations such as stopping smoking, if the diagnosis is Crohn's, or making some adjustments to diet in certain situations.

For more information see  www.crohnsandcolitis.org.nz